Distribution and Ecology

S Morocco: Endemic to the High Atlas Mountains of Southern Morocco (11°W, 31° N) where there are several stands and a number of isolated trees distributed over a total area of about 200 km2. One or two small groves remain in dry woodland on steep scree slopes in Oued n'Fiss Valley south of Marakech. Estimates of the area of occupancy have declined from 5500 ha in 1950 to 1460 ha in 1986, largely because of habitat degradation, overgrazing and to some extent exploitation. In 1997 a survey found a complete absence of natural regeneration. One subpopulation was fenced and attempts were being made to replant the species, but the rate of success was very low. The soils are more or less eroded, on parent material consisting mainly of schist and basalt. The trees grow at 1100-2000 m elevation in a Mediterranean climate with rainfall of 350-700 mm/year. Summer maxima are likely to average about 30°C and winter minima less than 0°C. Extreme frosts of -15°C are thought to occur and have been measured at an [unspecified] arboretum (Stewart 1981, WCMC 1999).

Big tree

Oldest

On the basis of 'growth rates,' ages of 2,000 years have been attributed (Stewart 1981). This suggests that ages exceeding 200 years probably occur.

Dendrochronology

Described as potentially useful (Stewart 1981).

Ethnobotany

The species is drought-resistant, frost-resistant and tolerates a variety of soils. It can produce long, high-grade sawlogs and has an attractive aromatic wood. It is very durable (Stewart 1981).

Observations

Remarks

The forests of Atlas cypress are managed by the Moroccan Forest Service with the objective of maintaining and improving them. However, the future depends on natural regeneration, and it remains to be seen how successfully the conditions for this can be recreated despite continued grazing. The Forest research station of Rabat has undertaken a long-term programme of research on the species, including the designation of plus trees for seed collection (Stewart 1981).